News: Better Together Café Launched at Hayden Village Center

Franklin, VA, Sept. 26, 2024 – If the food at Hayden Village Center tastes more delicious today, it’s because of a secret ingredient: social connection. Starting today, the lunch program at Senior Services’ Western Tidewater hub will become Better Together Café. It offers the seniors who participate not just nutritious meals but social interaction, activities, guest speakers, and fun.

Developed by Senior Services at senior centers across Hampton Roads, Better Together Café puts social connection at the heart of mealtime. “Social isolation is a growing challenge for seniors,” said Senior Services CEO Steve Zollos. “Our Better Together Café aims to address that. When we help older adults engage with each other and the community, we all benefit.”

Open for business since 2020, Hayden Village Center is the result of a years-long renovation of the historic Hayden High School building. It houses affordable senior apartments as well as a community center open to the public that features a gymnasium with basketball and pickleball courts, game room, computer lab, conference room, and community garden.

The seniors who attend Hayden regularly for meals and classes agree that the social connections are what keep them coming back. Shirley Cobb, who has lived in Franklin since she was 15, comes to Hayden for line dancing, fitness classes, and camaraderie. “It’s easier to be active when you do it with a group than on your own. You get more joy. People joke and laugh. They encourage you, and you encourage them.”

While many local seniors already know about Hayden’s meal program and packed activities calendar, fewer people realize that the community center is open to residents of all ages. “This is a hidden gem in our community” said Tonya Whitley, Director of Hayden. “I want people to know that we are here to serve everyone.”
Whitley added that the community center’s facilities, including its gym, conference room, commercial warming kitchen, and activity rooms, are also available to book for special events. “We’ve had family reunions, birthday parties, and anniversaries celebrated here,” Whitley said.

According to Whitley, all of Hayden’s programs, from Better Together Café to fitness classes, are designed around the needs and interests of the community. In their senior programming, she has seen firsthand how the relationships created have enriched the lives of everyone involved. “We love our seniors,” said Whitley. “They are better together, but we as a community are also better for knowing them.”

Senior Services invites members of the community to see what Hayden Village Center has to offer. Call 757-517-2904 to schedule a time to tour the facility and follow Hayden Village Center on Facebook.
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Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the older adults and caregivers of South Hampton Roads and Western Tidewater. With more than 50 years of service, Senior Services has delivered programs and services that keep older adults healthy, active, and engaged. For more information, visit www.ssseva.org or call 757-461-9481.